Florida State University is reaching new heights in research excellence, thanks to the leadership of its accomplished women.
From the Vice President of Research to the Dean of the College of Medicine and the Chief Scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab), women are at the forefront of groundbreaking science at FSU.
During a recent roundtable forum, five of FSU’s leading women in science gathered to discuss their career journeys, leadership styles and the challenges they’ve overcome to excel in their fields. The discussion, held in the Student Union Ballrooms, was part of FSU’s Discovery Days, a weeklong celebration of research, scholarship and creativity.
The event featured FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Chief Scientist Laura Greene, College of Nursing Associate Dean for Research Lisa Hightow-Weidman, Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. Alma Littles and Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson.
“I just love working with these women,” Patterson said. “They are truly an inspiration to me, and it’s so exciting to be able to share that with the whole FSU community.”
The panelists’ stories serve as an example for young women pursuing science and facing challenges, Littles said.
“I always hope my career and story will inspire others to see their way through situations that may on the surface seem impossible,” she said, “Don’t underestimate who you are and what you’re capable of achieving. Remember that for every role or position, someone had to be first.”
The women focused on the importance of finding mentors who can provide guidance through career and life decisions.
“The entire event was filled with advice I feel like everyone should hear,” said Emily Hughes, an FSU senior studying biochemistry who works with researchers at the MagLab. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate and was surprised that none of the panelists imagined they would be in their current positions.
“I learned that your journey may not match that of others, and that is completely okay,” Hughes said. “Achieving your goals is possible even when you aren’t following a specific plan you have set for yourself. Life will figure itself out, just make sure to show up and give it your all.”
FSU student and MagLab researcher Sylvia Long, who is majoring in biological science and environment and society, said she was reminded how important it is to support other women along their life paths, and she realized that many are facing the same obstacles and challenges.
“I was surprised to hear from many of the panelists that they had felt imposter syndrome at one point or another in their careers,” she said. “It was relieving to hear that the feeling is common, even among highly educated and experienced women.”
The event was held on the Friday of Discovery Days, which reached nearly 2,500 people across the university, in Tallahassee and online.
“I hope people were able to connect with the panel and really see that our journeys have all been different, but it’s really brought us together in some special ways,” Patterson said. “I hope it was a way for them to see an opportunity for themselves in that.”
Florida State University’s research operation has around $450 million in expenditures annually with over 50 prominent research centers and institutes.
For more information or to read the university’s strategic plan to inspire research excellence, visit aspire.fsu.edu.